NPAC announces new season schedule

Van Wert independent/NPAC information

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is celebrating five years of entertainment, inspiration and education with another outstanding lineup of quality entertainment planned for the 2012-2013 season (click here for a full schedule).

The NPAC has, over the past five season been thrilled to bring to Van Wert artists that included Marie Osmond, Amy Grant, the Charlie Daniels Band, Tony Orlando, and shows straight from the Broadway stage such as Annie, Porgy and Bess, Fiddler on the Roof and more. The success of these seasons has been due in part to the NPAC’s many sponsors, volunteers and patrons, and the NPAC is pleased to partner with this year’s first season sponsor, StateWide Ford Lincoln of Van Wert.

This coming season could be the best of all, from the smooth pop sound of Christopher Cross, to the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas program to the musings of basketball coaching great Bob Knight.

Kicking off the 2012-2013 season is the Gala Celebration V weekend September 14-15 featuring Irish tenor Ronan Tynan. That Friday, Tynan will give a presentation at 7 p.m. as he shares his inspirational life story as a paraplegic athlete, physician and singer. On Saturday, Tynan presents a Gala Celebration V concert backed by the Lima Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. This weekend is sponsored in part by Times Bulletin Media and First Federal Savings & Loan.

On Thursday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m., legendary coach Bob Knight discusses his life and career events, his mentors, and the students he has taught through his years of coaching. This lecture series event is sponsored in part by Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service and the Fan 93.1 FM.

The “Little Sisters of Hoboken” return to Van Wert in Dan Goggin’s Nunset Boulevard on Sunday, October 14, at 3 p.m. Featuring the star of “Laverne & Shirley”, Cindy Williams, this adventure features all new songs, audience participation and heavenly humor.

Then bring the family for a one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show as John Tartaglia’s “ImaginOcean” brings a magical undersea adventure to the NPAC on Saturday, November 3, at 1 p.m. Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel are best friends who just happen to be fish and they are about to set out on a remarkable journey of discovery. Jam-packed with original music, this show is a blast from the first big splash to the last wave good-bye.

The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus will bring a free Veterans Honor Concert to the NPAC on Thursday, November 8.  This free ticketed event will again be a patriotic salute to those who serve, as well as a mixture of all genres of music and song from the musical ambassadors of the army straight from Washington, D.C. Tickets will once again be available for free with the coupon from sponsor Times Bulletin Media.

The holiday season at the NPAC is again packed with something for everyone to enjoy and kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas show on November 23 at 7:30 p.m. Their annual Christmas show includes the Oaks’ greatest hits, as well as tried and true holiday songs that people expect to hear. This show is sponsored in part by T-102.1 FM, Van Wert Federal Savings Bank and the Kenn-Feld Group.

On Thursday, December 13, Jay, Jimmy and Merrill Osmond take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for “Christmas with The Osmonds”. Performing in front of worldwide audiences for 50 years, the brothers bring their Osmond harmonies to Van Wert for a Christmas show full of holiday festivities. This show is sponsored in part by Times Bulletin Media.

On Thursday, December 20, at 1:30 p.m. there will be a lecture by Legend Lore presenter Ceci Wiselogel on the “Legends of Christmas”. She presents a festive program where the legends and customs of the season come to life. From why people kiss under the mistletoe to believing in the Jolly Old Elf himself, it’s a surprising education in all things Yule!

Then it’s fun for ogres and ogresses of all ages as Shrek: The Musical comes to the stage in Van Wert direct from Broadway on Saturday, December 22. With shows at 2 p.m. and again at 7 that evening, this show is sure to be great family holiday fun. The musical is sponsored in part by First Federal Savings & Loan.

Jazz again fills the NPAC music hall as Russ Freeman and The Rippingtons come to town on Saturday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. This Grammy-nominated American contemporary jazz band is celebrating 25 years of great music. This show sponsored in part by Koch Law Office and the Jim Robideau family.

Spend Valentine’s evening with that special sweetheart enjoying one of America’s leading adult contemporary artists. Christopher Cross brings his smooth ballad hits, such as “Sailing” and “Ride Like The Wind” to the NPAC for a romantic night of music on Thursday, February 14, at 7:30 pm.  This show is sponsored in part by WDOH Lite Rock 107.1 FM.

The Golden Dragon Acrobats return to the NPAC on Saturday, February 16, for two shows at 3 and 7 p.m. Cirque Ziva, featuring the Golden Dragon Acrobats, will thrill audiences of all ages with their amazing feats of performance and graceful beauty.

Then it’s a “total string experience” as Bowfire takes the stage on Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. Featuring high energy dance and show stopping music, this show is an experience not to miss.

Wiselogel returns in the spring for a second presentation on “Remembering Rockwell” on Thursday, March 14, at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Explore the life and works of one of America’s greatest illustrators: Norman Rockwell. This lecture will be the next best thing to a Rockwell museum visit.

One of the most requested Gospel groups comes to the NPAC on Sunday, March 24, at 7 p.m. Ernie Haase and Signature Sound bring their unique blend of harmonies and joyful message to Van Wert in a much anticipated concert. This show is sponsored in part by WTLW-TV.

Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence and her most endearing character, “Mama,” come to Van Wert on Friday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of laughs. Lawrence, the singer/entertainer who sang the hit “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” shares her hilarious experiences from Carol Burnett during the first half of the show. Then “Mama” takes the stage during the second half and one can always expect the unexpected when she’s around!

The lecture series wraps up with one of National Geographic’s favorite presenters and photographers, Joel Sartore, on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. Sartore’s entertaining presentations blend humor with powerful conservation messages and award-winning photography of wildlife and the places they inhabit. The lecture series is sponsored in part by grants from Paulding Putnam Electric, Walmart and Midwest Electric Inc.

April ends with a bang as Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band presents a Saturday night of high energy music that brings the best of the big-band and orchestra jazz giants of the past 70 years.  On Saturday, April 27, Gordon Goodwin, who composed music for The Incredibles, will also offer a music animation workshop prior to the 7:30 p.m. concert.

The season finale will be a Rock and symphonic spectacular as the stars from London’s smash hit musical We Will Rock You and a full orchestra present “The Music of Queen” on Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m.

The season also features a previously released Community Concert Series highlighted by The Lennon Sisters on October 6, the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass on October 20, “Igudesman & Joo: A Little Nightmare Music” on November 11, the American Spiritual Ensemble on February 22 and American pianist Thomas Pandolfi on May 5. These five shows are currently on sale for one low series price of $60.

Niswonger Performing Arts Center members may purchase their Grand Series packages beginning today.

The Grand Series, which offers 20 percent off the single ticket price, goes on sale Wednesday, June 21, and includes tickets for the Celebration 5 Gala Lecture & Concert, Nunset Boulevard, “ImaginOcean”, “Oak Ridge Boys Christmas”, Osmond Brothers Christmas, Shrek, The Rippingtons, Christopher Cross, Cirque Ziva, Bowfire, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Vicki Lawrence, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Fat Band, “The Music of Queen”, Coach Bob Knight, Joel Sartore, and CeCi Wiselogel.

The Select Series packages are available to NPAC members starting Thursday, June 22. The Select Series goes on sale to the public Wednesday, June 27. This “build your own” package offers varying levels of discount, depending on the number of shows purchased. The box office will be open from noon-6 p.m. on June 27 for patrons’ convenience.

Tickets for single shows begin approximately 90 days prior to show date. Visit the all new website at npacvw.org for show ticket release dates.

Series and tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, located in the Grand Lobby of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 10700 State Route 118 in Van Wert, just 35 minutes from Fort Wayne, Ind., or Lima. Box Office Summer Hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m.

For more information stop in, call 419.238.NPAC (6722), visit the website at http://npacvw.org, of find the NPAC on Facebook.